VietNamNet Bridge - Seeing health inspectors, Chinese doctors at the Apollo Clinic in HCM City hurriedly took off their blouse to run away. Over ten people hid themselves on the roof.

On the morning of August 29, inspector of the HCM City Department of Health unexpectedly appeared at the Apollo Clinic, 228 Tran Hung Dao Street, District 1. When the inspectors turned away, a doctor pushed the cabinet in the room to reveal a door behind and escape through this "secret tunnel."

Another doctor went to the toilet then opened the ceiling and hid himself on the roof. Until the police force came to support and check every corner of the building, this man wasn’t detected.

Many others took off their blouse very quickly to mingle with patients, ran to the roof and then disappeared. Over an hour later, the authorities found them on the roof of the building. Some people could not stand the overheated ceiling so they climbed down to come forward.

By noon, the inspection team and staff of the Immigration Management Department recorded 12 people working at Apollo Clinic with Chinese nationality. According to initial investigation, many of them broke the rules on degrees and practice certificate.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong, a patient from Go Vap District, said she came here to cut ganglions to treat BO. The clinic said the cost is VND9 million but after three courses of treatment, she had to pay nearly VND14 million ($700)."A doctor speaking Chinese treated me," she said.

In other rooms, many other patients were being examined or treated. Most of them knew about the clinic through brochures or being recommended by their acquaintances.

"According to the ad, the clinic will treat quickly and we can go home on the day. However, the costs are always higher than the advertising," said a patient.

Dr. Bui Minh Trang, Chief Inspector of the HCM City Department of Health said the Apollo Clinic did not register to employ foreign doctors. The clinic also offered illegal services, for example treatment of ejaculation premature.

"We were sad seeing foreigners climbing on the roof to hide. The health sector welcomes doctors from other countries but they must comply with the laws of Vietnam. The inspection aims for the health of the patients and the fair healthcare environment," said Dr. Trang.

In July, Apollo Clinic was fined more than VND44 million for some violations.

Last year, when health inspectors checked some private clinics in HCM City, some Chinese doctors also ran away. Most of them did not have a degree or practicing certificate.

Minh Minh